Stair rod bracket

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a transversely interconnecting slidable stair rod bracket The bracket may also be provided for use in a stair rod set, the set also including a stair carpet retaining rod and a finial ( 72, 76 ). The bracket has a top portion ( 11 ) and a bottom portion ( 12 ). The top portion having a plurality of projections ( 19, 14 ) and complementary shaped channels ( 15, 16 ) for receiving projections ( 17, 18 ) from the bottom portion; the bottom portion contains a rod-receiving portion ( 33 ), an outside end wall ( 28 ) with an aperture ( 34 ) therein for accepting either a threaded finial fastener which engages with a “female” finial, or the fastening portion of a “male” finial, and a plurality of projections and complementary shaped channels for receiving projections from the top portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/311,192 filed Aug. 9, 2001.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

[0003] This invention relates generally to stair rod brackets and tostair rod sets. In particular the invention relates to slidablyinterconnecting stair rod brackets and stair rod sets having a pair ofslidably interconnecting stair rod brackets, a stair carpet retainingrod and a pair of finials. The invention also includes stair rod bracketkits and stair rod kits using the interconnecting stair rod bracket. Thestair rod set is especially useful for releasable fastening carpetrunners to a staircase.

[0004] Carpet runners or other floor coverings are releasably affixed tostairs using stair rod sets. Many stair rod sets sold today are used asa decorative accent to the stairs and carpet runners. The stair rod setserves a decorative function as well as a useful function in preventingslippage of the carpet runner on the stairs of a staircase. A staircasetypically has a plurality of steps. Each step has a riser and a tread.The stair rod set typically includes a pair of brackets with eachbracket fastened to the step of a staircase. The brackets are spacedfrom the edges of the carpet runner and fastened at opposite sides ofthe step. Stair brackets frequently have a top portion and a bottomportion. Often, the bottom portion is fastened to the riser and thetread of the step of the staircase. A rod extends over the carpet runnerand is held between and by the pair of brackets. A pair of finials maybe used in conjunction with the stair rod and pair of brackets with onefinial attached to each bracket. In some devices, the stair rod extendsthrough the bracket (see U.S. Pat. No. 484,708 to Gates; U.S. Pat. No.1,373,148 to St. John Phillips; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 343,437 to Prezner);in these instances, the bracket is often referred to as a “stair eye” or“open eye-type bracket” because the bracket has a hole or eyetherethrough for accepting the stair rod. The use of a “stair eye” typebracket poses special problems. Should a person, pet or objectaccidentally get entangled in the rod, the stair rod may slip laterally(transversely/longitudinally) and slide out through the eye of thebracket. This poses a particular danger in certain types of staircases,which are designed as open staircases on one, or both sides. Openstaircases are frequently used for their ornamental beauty in clubs,restaurants, hotels, as well as in private homes and apartments.Slippage of the rod could result in the rod falling on persons, pets orobjects under and adjacent the open side(s) of the staircase.

[0005] Prior art attempts have responded to some of the problems oflateral slippage of the stair rod through the eye of the bracket by theuse of a finial at the end of the stair rod. For example, the largestouter diameter of the finial is dimensioned to exceed the diameter ofthe opening of the bracket eye. Often the finial is not fastened to therod but is designed with a finial cap to engage about an end of the rod.

[0006] Other attempts to solve the problem of the slippage of the stairrod in a stair eye bracket type, have utilized a lug to engage the endof the rod (See e.g., GB patent 414,793).

[0007] Yet other attempts to address the problem of slippage haveresulted in stair rod brackets having a end wall. The end wall designprevents penetration therethrough by the stair rod. Often for decorativepurposes, a female finial is fastened to the end wall of the bracketusing a threaded fastener. The term female finial means hereinthroughout, a finial having an aperture therein for accepting afastener. An example of a female finial is shown in U.S. Pat. No. Des.340,404 to Prezner, wherein a screw is threaded through the end wall andinto the finial prior to the insertion of the stair rod into thebracket. Use of the stair bracket having an end wall, however,introduces problems associated with ease in opening and closing thebrackets for removal of the stair rod in order to remove the carpet forcleaning, and for cleaning and polishing the stair rod, brackets andfinials.

[0008] Special problems related to easily removing the stair rod fromthe bracket are associated with both the end wall type bracket and withthe open eye-type bracket. Attempts have also been made to resolve theseproblems with the design of brackets having top portions which arepivotally slidable (e.g., “THE TRADITION COLLECTION” by DecorativeHardware Studio, Chappaqua, N.Y.) or hingeably upliftable (U.S. Pat. No.Des. 342,437; also, see the “VICTORIA SERIES”, “CATHERINE THE GREATSERIES”, “ELIZABETH SERIES”, and “ISABELLA SERIES” by DecorativeHardware Studio, Chappaqua, N.Y.), or moveably upliftable (U.S. Pat. No.1,373,148 to St. John Phillips) or traversely slidable or engageable(U.S. Pat. No. 484,708 to Gates, GB Patent 414,793 and U.S. Pat. No.5,960,516 issued to Zoroufy et al.). The use of brackets havinghingeably upliftable, pivotally slidable or moveably upliftable topportions have required the use of fasteners or projections which makethe bracket harder to use and more expensive to fabricate. Also theupliftable, pivoting or moveable portions may be subject to breaking offor loosening after extended use. In addition, cleaning and polishingthese types of brackets is more difficult because they have more partsand recesses that require cleaning. Further, the messy job of cleaningand polishing the top portion of the bracket frequently must be done onthe staircase, unless both the top portion and the bottom portion of thebracket are removed.

[0009] Another problem with stair eye brackets which are traverselyengageable is that accidentally jarring the top portion of the bracketcan cause transverse overtravel, e.g., the top portion of the bracketdisengages from the bottom portion of the bracket, thus bending thebracket portions and/or the stair rod, or causing the stair rod to fallout of the bracket. Attempts to solve this problem using springs andplungers are known (See, e.g., GB Patent 414,793). However, the use ofsprings and plungers adds to the complexity of using the bracket and thecosts of making the bracket. Attempts at solving this problem have alsobeen done by providing a traversal stop for one of the portions of thebracket with respect to the other. This, however, provides that the twoportions of the bracket can only be connected by the sliding of onepiece into the other in one direction. This can be a problem when thebrackets are connected in a tight corner, where limiting the connectionof the two portions of the bracket in only one direction can makeinstallation difficult. Yet another problem with traversely engageablestair rod brackets, is that they often are connected together withdove-tail connections. In such a bracket design, one of the bracketmembers contains sharp edge connecting projections. Such sharp edgeconnections are easily dented. This leads to difficulty in slidablyconnecting the two members together to form the stair rod bracket, asthe dove-tail projection cannot fit together correctly.

[0010] Still a further problem occurs when a person accidentally stepson the rod. The application of pressure to the rod frequently causingbowing of the rod. In some instances, the bowing of the rod causes therod to come out of the brackets. This, of course, may pose a safetyproblem, since, in addition, to the possibility of the lateral slippage,there is the possibility that the person may slip on the rod whilewalking up the steps.

[0011] Yet another problem exists when it is desired to change thedecorative look of the stair rod set. This can be expensive and timeconsuming. This change frequently requires the purchase of new pairs ofbrackets, which require installation and possible refinishing of theholes in the steps made by the fasteners which held the old brackets inplace on the staircase.

[0012] A further problem with two-piece stair rod brackets, is that theinterlocking design of the brackets can only be accomplished by castingthe metal for each piece in separate molds. This can often lead toproblems with the two pieces fitting together snugly to provide a tightfitting stair rod bracket, as variations in the separate molds oftenarise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention provides a stair rod bracket and a stairrod set. The stair rod bracket is slidably interconnected for easyassembly and disassembly. The stair rod set includes a pair of slidableinterconnecting stair rod brackets, a stair carpet retaining rod and apair of finials. The stair rod set is advantageously useful forreleasably fastening a carpet runner to a staircase. The invention alsoprovides a stair rod bracket kit and a stair rod set kit having theslidable interconnecting stair rod brackets.

[0014] The foregoing, and other advantages of the present invention, arerealized in one aspect thereof, in a transversely interconnectingslidable stair rod bracket for use in a stair rod set, the set alsoincludes a stair carpet retaining rod and a finial. The bracket has atop portion and a bottom portion. The top portion having a plurality ofprojections and complementary shaped channels for receiving projectionsfrom the bottom portion; the bottom portion contains a rod-receivingportion, an outside end wall with an aperture therein for acceptingeither a threaded finial fastener which engages with a “female” finial,or the fastening portion of a “male” finial, and a plurality ofprojections and complementary shaped channels for receiving projectionsfrom the top portion.

[0015] Specifically, the plurality of projections of the top portionhave corresponding complementary channels disposed on the bottomportion, and the plurality of projections of the bottom portion havecorresponding complementary channels disposed in the top portion. Theplurality of projections are suitably rounded projections and theplurality of channels are correspondingly rounded shaped channels. Theoutside end wall is a plate extending from the bottom portion, and isspaced apart from the rod-receiving portion of the bottom portion of thebracket. The outside end wall is dimensioned to pass through therod-receiving portion of the top portion of the bracket when the topportion of the bracket is transversely engaged with the bottom portionof the bracket.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention includes a stair rod setincluding a stair carpet retaining rod, a pair of finials; and a pair ofstair rod brackets. Each bracket has a top portion and a bottom portion.The top portion suitably has a plurality of projections andcomplementary shaped channels for receiving projections disposed on thebottom portion; the bottom portion suitably contains a rod-receivingportion, an outside end wall with an aperture therein for acceptingeither a threaded finial fastener which engages with a “female” finial,or the fastening portion of a “male” finial, and a plurality ofprojections and complementary shaped channels for receiving projectionsdisposed on the top portion. The plurality of projections of the topportion have corresponding complementary channels disposed on the bottomportion, and the plurality of projections of the bottom portion havecorresponding complementary channels disposed in the top portion. Theplurality of projections are suitably rounded projections and theplurality of channels are correspondingly rounded shaped channels. Theoutside end wall is a plate extending from the bottom portion, and isspaced apart from the rod-receiving portion of the bottom portion of thebracket. The outside end wall is dimensioned to pass through therod-receiving portion of the top portion of the bracket when the topportion of the bracket is transversely engaged with the bottom portionof the bracket.

[0017] A further aspect of the present invention includes a stair rodbracket kit for use in a stair rod set, the set having a stair bracket,a stair carpet retaining rod and a finial either having a male fasteningprojection, or a female fastener receiving aperture. The stair rodbracket kit includes a) a plurality of bottom portions of a stairbracket, each of the bottom portions having a face and two end wallsextending from the face, one of the end walls having an aperture for theconnection of the finial, the other end wall having a rod-receivingportion for accepting a portion of the rod; b) a plurality of topportions of a bracket for use with any one of the plurality of bottomportions, the top portions having a face and end walls, the end wallsbeing dimensioned to provide a rod-receiving portion, for accepting aportion of the rod; and c) a plurality of projections and complementaryshaped channels for receiving the projections disposed on the topportion and the bottom portion for transverse engagement of the topportion with the bottom portion; the plurality of projections disposedon the top portion having corresponding complementary channels disposedon the bottom portion, and the plurality of projections in the bottomportion having corresponding complementary channels disposed in the topportion. The plurality of projections are suitably rounded projectionsand the plurality of channels are correspondingly rounded shapedchannels.

[0018] In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a stair rodset kit which comprises (a) a stair carpet retaining rod; (b) a pair offinials, and (c) a pair of stair brackets, each bracket of the pair ofbrackets having i) a plurality of bottom portions of a bracket, each ofthe bottom portions having a face and two end walls extending from theface, one of the end walls having an aperture therein for accepting themale fastening portion of the finial, the other end wall having arod-receiving portion for accepting a portion of the rod; ii) aplurality of top portions of a bracket for use with any one of theplurality of bottom portions, the top portions having a face and endwalls, the end walls being dimensioned to provide a rod-receivingportion, for accepting a portion of the rod; and iii) a plurality ofprojections and complementary shaped channels for receiving theprojections disposed on the top portion and the bottom portion fortransverse engagement of the top portion with the bottom portion; theplurality of projections disposed on the top portion havingcorresponding complementary channels disposed on the bottom portion, andthe plurality of projections in the bottom portion have correspondingcomplementary channels disposed in the top portion. The plurality ofprojections are suitably rounded projections and the plurality ofchannels are correspondingly rounded shaped channels.

[0019] It is understood that one skilled in the are would appreciatevarious modifications, including variations, additions, and omissions ofthe present invention. Other advantages and a fuller appreciation of thespecific attributes of this invention will be gained upon an examinationof the following drawings, detailed description of preferredembodiments, and appended claims. It is expressly understood that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0020] The preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention willhereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawingwherein like designations refer to like elements throughout and inwhich:

[0021]FIG. 1 is a side view of the inside of a right sided stair rodbracket of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a side view of the outside of a right sided stair rodbracket of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 3 is a font facing view of the top and bottom portions of aleft sided stair rod bracket of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the top and bottom portions of aleft sided stair rod bracket of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the top and bottom portions of aleft sided stair rod bracket, a stair rod and a finial of the presentinvention.

[0026]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the top and bottom portions of aleft sided stair rod bracket, a stair rod and a finial of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present invention relates broadly to a stair rod bracket.Specifically, the invention provides a stair rod bracket and a stair rodset having a pair of slidably interconnecting stair rod brackets, astair carpet retaining rod and a pair of finials. Accordingly, thepresent invention will now be described in detail with respect to suchendeavors; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that such adescription of the invention is meant to be exemplary only and shouldnot be viewed as limitative on the full scope thereof.

[0028] The stair rod brackets of the present invention are best shown inFIGS. 1-4. A bracket generally designated as reference numeral 10 of thepresent invention includes a top portion 11 and a bottom portion 12. Thetop portion 11 and the bottom portion 12 of each bracket 10 slidablyengage each other, i.e. they interconnect permitting transverse(lateral) engagement of the top portion 11 with the bottom portion 12.Each bracket 10 has a plurality of projections which engage in a matingfashion in corresponding complementary shaped channels. In theillustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, each bracket 10 suitably hasprojections 13, 14 on the top portion 11 which engage in a matingfashion in correspondingly shaped complementary channels 15, 16,respectively, in the bottom portion 12 of the bracket, and hasprojections 17, 18 in the bottom portion of the bracket 12 which engagein a mating fashion in correspondingly shaped channels 19, 20,respectively, in the top portion 11 of the bracket. The top portion 11is slid in a transverse (longitudinal/lateral) manner into the bottomportion 12 of the bracket 10.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 13, 14, 17, and 18and channels 15, 16, 19 and 20 are in the nature of interlocking roundedjoints. Alternatively, the bottom portion 12 suitably has a first singleprojection (17 or 18) and a first single channel (15 or 16), and the topportion 11 suitably has a single corresponding complementary shapedchannel (19 or 20) to engagingly mate with the first single projection(17 or 18) and has a corresponding single complementary shapedprojection (13 or 14) to engagingly mate with the first single channel(15 or 16) of the bottom portion. Although four projections 13, 14, 17,and 18 with their corresponding channels 15, 16, 19 and 20 are shown,more projections and associated corresponding complementary shapedchannels may be used. Other types of combinations of other shapedprojections and corresponding complementary shaped channels can beenvisioned by those of ordinary skill in the art and are encompassed bythe present invention.

[0030] As is best shown in FIGS. 1-4, the top portion 11 of the bracket10 includes a front face 21, a back face 24, two end walls, 22 and 23,respectively, which extend downwardly from the front face 21 to backface 24, and two end wall edges 40 and 41, respectively. The front face21 of the top portion 11 also includes a first fastener aperture 48,that, when the top portion 11 and bottom portion 12 of the bracket 10are aligned, brings fastener aperture 48 into alignment with a secondfastener aperture 49 in the bottom portion 12. The first and secondfastener apertures, 48, 49, are dimensioned to receive a bracketfastener screw 50 which secures the top portion 11 and the bottomportions 12 of the bracket 10 together. The back face 24 of the topportion 11 has a stair rod receiving portion 26.

[0031] The bottom portion 12 of the stair bracket 10 includes a frontface 39, a back face 27 and two end walls 28 and 31, respectively. Endwall 28 is an outside end wall extending upwardly from the back face 27.End wall 31 is an inside end wall extending upwardly from the back face27. Outside end wall 28 has an outside end wall edge 29, and an insidesurface 30. Inside end wall 31 has an inside end wall edge 32, and astair rod-receiving portion 33. The stair rod-receiving portion 33 isadjacent to the inside surface 30 of the outside end wall 28 and extendsfrom inside surface 30 to the inside end wall 31. The inside end wall 31is spaced apart from and generally parallel to the outside end wall 28.Outside end wall 28 has an aperture 34 therethrough, suitablydimensioned to permit passage of either a threaded finial fastener 70which engages with a “female” finial 72, or the fastening portion 74 ofa “male” finial 76. The front face 39 of the bottom portion 12 of thestair rod bracket 10 also includes a pair of mounting apertures 37, 38,respectively, therethrough for accepting fasteners (screws, nails,bolts, or the like) to fasten the bottom portion 12 of the bracket 10 toa stair tread and a stair riser of a step of a staircase. When thebracket 10 is assembled, the back face 27 of the bottom portion 12 isdisposed facing the stair tread and stair riser of a step.

[0032] As best shown in FIGS. 4-6, for each bracket 10, the outside endwall edge 29 of the bottom portion 12 and the corresponding end walledge 41 of the top portion 11 are complementary in shape, such thatthese edges 29, 41 abut against each other when the top portion 11 ofthe bracket 10 is slid into the bottom portion 12 of the bracket 10.Thus, the edges 29 and 41 engage in a mating fashion. Likewise, theinside end wall edge 32 of the bottom portion 12 of the bracket 10 andthe end wall edge 40 of the top portion 11 of the bracket 10 arecomplementary in shape, such that the edges 32, 40 abut against eachother (except for the stair rod receiving portions 26, 33) when the topportion 11 of the bracket 10 is slid into the bottom portion 12 of thebracket 10. Thus, the edges 32 and 40 engage in a mating fashion, exceptfor the stair rod receiving portions 26, 33. The stair rod receivingportions 26, 33, when the two portions 11 and 12 are combined to providea bracket 10, create a rod receiving enclosure 42 which is sufficientlydimensioned to hold a portion of a stair rod 60 within the bracket 10.The transverse (lateral) travel of the rod 60 between the pair ofbrackets 10 (a left side stair bracket and a right side stair bracket)is limited by the inside surface 30 of the outside end wall 28 of thebottom portion 12 of the bracket 10. In each bracket 10, an end of a rod62 abuts against the inside surface 30, of the outside end wall 28 ofthe bottom portion 12 of the end bracket 10. The rod can contain anaperture 64 which is aligned with the aperture 34 of the outside endwall 28 and is dimensioned to accept the male fastening portion 74 of afinial 72. The insertion of the male fastening portion 74 of the finial72 through the finial fastener aperture 34, holds the rod to the stairrod bracket 10.

[0033] The abutting relationships of the pairs of edges 29, 41 and 32,40 create a uni-body bracket construction that is unique to any priorart stair rod bracket and to any prior art stair rod set. The uni-bodyconstruction achieves a more sturdy construction of any previous stairrod set. The sturdiness creates a more secure installation of the staircarpet retaining rod 10, and hence, a safer installation of the stairrod set.

[0034] The structure of the pairs or abutting edges 29, 41 and 32, 40and the structure of the mating engageable projections 13, 14, 17 and 18and complementary channels 19, 20, 15 and 16 produce a bracket 10 whichis very easy to assemble and disassemble. This is important because thestructure of the bracket 10 permits the easy assembly/disassembly of thestair rod set, the easy removal of the top portion 11 of the bracket 10for cleaning and polishing and the easy replacement of the top portion11 of the bracket 10. No longer must the user/customer, carry solventsand polishing tools to the staircase to clean the top portions 11 of thebracket 10. The top portions 11 of the brackets 10 are easily removedfrom the bottom portion 12 of the brackets 10 by removing the bracketfastener screw 50 and sliding the top portion 11 in a transverse lateraldirection, and the finials are loosened and removed. The bracket topportion 11 may then be collected and carried to a more convenientlocation than the staircase, to clean and polish them.

[0035] Another embodiment of the invention, best shown in FIGS. 5-6, isa stair rod set, specifically, a stair rod set having a stair carpetretaining rod 60, a pair of finials (72 or 76), and a pair of slidablyinterconnecting stair rod brackets 10, according to the presentinvention. The rod 60, the finials (72 or 76) and the brackets 10 arepreferably made of metals, such as, but not limited to, brass, bronze,copper, aluminum, iron or steel or alloys thereof, and is most suitablymade of brass. The brackets 10 can also be crafted out of wood orplastic. The brackets 10 are carved from a single mass of metal, mostsuitably brass. This provides an ease of manufacture over two-piecestair brackets containing two separately molded portions. Brackets ofsuch manufacture often have difficulty fitting together due tovariations in the separate molds. When the portions are carved out of asingle piece of metal, the portions fit together near seamlessly.

[0036] Stair carpeting retaining rods 60 are known and are elongate inshape with opposed ends. These rods 60 have either a hollow core (oftenreferred to as a hollow core-type rod) or a solid core (often referredto as a solid core-type rod). Stair carpeting retaining rods 60 are alsoknown to come in various cross sectional shapes, such as circular,triangular, square, etc. Rods 60 are of a length sufficient to extendbeyond a width of a carpet runner which is to be releasable affixed to astep of a staircase.

[0037] One embodiment of the stair carpet retaining rod 60 contains anaperture 64 at each opposing end 62. The apertures are suitablydimensioned to accept a fastening means extending from the finial 74.These rods 60 are also either of a solid core type having a solid metalcross section (i.e., a solid core) or of a hollow core type having ahollow core surrounded by a rod wall end.

[0038] The finals used in the present invention can either be a “male”finial 76 having a fastener projection 74, or a “female” finial 72having a fastener receiving aperture 78. With a male finial 76, the malefastening portion 74 of the finial is of a length sufficient to beinserted into the bracket 10, securing it to the bracket. In oneembodiment, the male finial 74 can be inserted through the aperture 34of the bracket 10 so as to engage with an aperture 64 in the end of therod 60, thereby fastening the bracket 10 to the rod 60. With a femalefinial 72, a finial fastener 70 of a length sufficient to be insertedthrough the aperture 34 aperture secures the female finial 72 to thebracket 10.

[0039] The pair of slidably interconnecting stair rod brackets 10 aredisposed with one bracket 10 of the pair fastened at each end of the rod60, when the stair rod set is assembled. The pair of brackets comprise aright side stair bracket and a left side stair bracket. While the toppotion of the bracket is the same in both the right and left sided stairrod brackets, the two bottom portions are constructed as mirror imagesof each other. By the term “mirror image” is meant herein throughoutthat the parts of the two brackets are arranged with the reversal ofright and left as would appear if seen in a mirror.

[0040] The present invention also comprehends a stair rod bracket kitand a stair rod kit. Because of the ease of use and simplicity ofassembly and disassembly of the top portion 11 of the bracket, thebottom portion 12 of the bracket 10 may be used with interchangeable topportions 11. The top portions 11 are constructed identically to eachother but, differ from each other in bearing decorative indicia, oralternatively no indicia, on the front face. Where no indicia is appliedto the front face 21, a clean unadorned appearance free from anymechanical apertures or marks is achieved. Where indicia is applied, theindicia may be engraved or etched, or otherwise affixed to the frontface. For example, the top portion 11 is suitably custom engraved to theuser/customer's specification and can be changed with other top portions11 to meet a user/customer's changing interior design schemes. Thisfeature of the present invention permits the user/consumer to change thedecorative look of the staircase by replacing only the top portion 11 ofthe bracket. This feature of top portion 11 interchangeability saves theuser/customer money because only the top portion 11 of the bracket 10bearing the indicia desired, needs to be purchased. This feature alsoprotects the staircase since the bottom portion 12 does not need to bereplaced, thereby preventing extra holes in the staircase where thebottom portion 12 had been affixed.

[0041] A stair rod bracket kit contains a plurality of top 11 and bottomportions 12. Fasteners may be included in the kit. The kit may be soldto outfit just the right side stair bracket, or just the left side stairbracket, or the kit may be sold to outfit both the right side stairbracket and the left side stair bracket.

[0042] A stair rod kit may contain a plurality of top portions 11, atleast one left side stair bracket bottom portion 12, a stair carpetretaining rod 60, at lease one right side stair bracket bottom portion12, and a pair of finials (72 or 76). Fasteners may be also be includedin the kit.

[0043] The bracket and the stair rod set are assembled according to thesteps of the following method. The carpet runner is arranged on thesteps of the staircase. A pair of brackets 10 is needed for each side ofeach step of the staircase. One bracket 10 of the pair of brackets to beused on a step is affixed to the step first. For example, the left sidestair bracket is fixed to the step; alternatively, the right side stairbracket could be affixed to the step first. The bottom portion 12 of theleft side stair bracket is positioned on the step to one side of thecarpet runner and secured to the step by affixing fasteners through theaperture 38 in the bottom portion 12 of the bracket 10. The top portion11 of the left side stair bracket is held to the left or right of thebottom portion 12 and the projections 13, 14, 17 and 18 are aligned withcomplementary shaped channels—19, 20, 15 and 16. Once aligned, the topportion 11 is slid transversely (e.g., longitudinally or sideways) tothe right or left, this movement positions and engages the top portion11 in a mating fashion on top of the bottom portion 12 so that the pairsof edges abut and engage in a mating fashion. The top 11 and bottomportion 12 of the bracket 10 are fastened together by the bracketfastener screw 50 which engages with the first fastener aperture 48 andthe second fastener 49, of the top 11 and bottom portion 12respectively. The finial is then attached to the bracket. If a malefinial 76 is used, the male fastening member 74 of the finial isthreaded though the aperture 34. If a female finial 72 is used, a finialfastener 70 is threaded through the aperture 34 connecting the femalefinial 72 to the bracket 10. One end of rod 60 is placed in the rodreceiving enclosure 42 and the rod is moved transversely so that the endof the rod 60 abuts the inside surface 30 of the outer end wall 28. If amale finial 76 is used, the male fastening portion of the finial 74 canbe further threaded into an aperture 64 at the end of the rod 60 andfastened therein. Thus, the male fastening member 76 of the finialfastens the stair bracket 10 to the rod 60. The rod 60 in this positionextends across the carpet runner.

[0044] The bottom portion 12 of the right side stair bracket is thenpositioned on the same step at a suitable distance from the left sidestair bracket and to the right of the carpet runner. The bottom portion12 of the right side stair bracket is secured to the step by affixingfasteners through the aperture 38 in the bottom portion 12 of thebracket 10. The other end (the non-fastened end) of the rod 60 ispositioned into the rod receiving portion 33 of the inside end wall 31of the bottom portion 12. The top portion 11 of the right side stairbracket is held to the right or left of the bottom portion 12 and theprojections 13, 14, 17 and 18 are aligned with the respectivecomplementary shaped channels 19, 20, 15 and 16. Once aligned, the topportion is slid transversely (longitudinally or sideways) to the rightor left, this movement positions and engages the top portion 11 on topof the bottom portion 12 so that the pairs of edges abut. The top 11 andbottom 12 portion of the bracket 10 are fastened together by the bracketfastener screw 50 which engages with the first fastener aperture 48 andthe second fastener, aperture 49 of the top 11 and bottom 12 portionrespectively. When the top portion 11 and the bottom 12 portion are soaligned, the rod receiving portions (26 and 33) form the rod receivingenclosure 42 which is suitably dimensioned to receive the rod 60. Thesecond finial portion (72 or 76) is then secured to the bracket 10. Thisaction fastens the stair bracket 10 to the rod 60 and completes theassembly of the stair rod set of the present invention. The method ofassembly is repeated for each step of the staircase.

[0045] To disassemble the stair rod set and the brackets for cleaning orpolishing, or to change the top portions 11 of the brackets 10, theprocess is conducted in reverse order. The bracket fastener screw 50 isunfastened and removed. The brackets 10 are slid to disengage them. Thebottom portions 12 of the left side stair bracket and of the right sidestair bracket are left fastened to the step. The finials (72 or 76) arethen unfastened and removed. The assembly steps are repeated forreassembling the bracket 10 and the stair rod set, except for the stepof fastening the bottom portion 12 of the bracket 10 to the step, whichis not needed.

[0046] When the stair rod bracket kit or the stair rod kit are used, thesteps in the method of assembly is identical to that discussed above,except that prior to the method steps of positioning the top portion 11on the bottom portion 12 of the respective bracket, one of a pluralityof top portions 11 is selected by the user/consumer to be used. Likewisethe method of disassembly is as previously stated herein throughout.

[0047] While the present invention has now been described andexemplified with some specificity, those skilled in the art willappreciate the various modifications, including variations, additions,and omissions, that may be made in what has been described. Accordingly,it is intended that these modifications also be encompassed by thepresent invention and that the scope of the present invention be limitedsolely by the broadest interpretation that lawfully can be accorded theappended claims.

1. A stair rod bracket comprising: a top portion having a firstprojection and a first channel; a bottom portion having a firstprojection, a first channel, an outside end wall, and a stair rodreceiving portion; wherein the first projection of the top portion isdesigned to be received in the first channel of the bottom portion andthe first projection of the bottom portion is designed to be received inthe first channel of the top portion; and wherein the receipt of thefirst projection of the top portion in the first channel of the bottomportion and the first projection of the bottom portion in the firstchannel of the top portion allows for transverse engagement of the topportion with the bottom portion.
 2. The bracket of claim 1, wherein thetop portion further comprises a second projection and a second channeland the bottom portion further comprises a second projection and asecond channel; wherein the second projection of the top portion isdesigned to be received in the second channel of the bottom portion andthe second projection of the bottom portion is designed to be receivedin the second channel of the top portion; and wherein the receipt of thesecond projection of the top portion in the second channel of the bottomportion and the second projection of the bottom portion in the secondchannel of the top portion allows for transverse engagement of the topportion with the bottom portion.
 3. The bracket of claim 1, wherein thetop portion further comprises a first fastener aperture and the bottomportion further comprises a mounting aperture and a second fasteneraperture; and a fastener passes through the first and second fasteneraperture and secures the top portion to the bottom portion.
 4. Thebracket of claim 1 wherein both first projections are rounded.
 5. Thebracket of claim 2 wherein the first projection of the top portion isadjacent to the first channel of the top portion, and the secondprojection of the top portion is adjacent to the second channel of thetop portion; and wherein the first projection of the bottom portion isadjacent to the first channel of the bottom portion and the secondprojection of the bottom portion is adjacent to the second channel ofthe bottom portion.
 6. The bracket of claim 5 wherein: the top portionfurther comprises a first fastener aperture; the bottom portion furthercomprises a mounting aperture, a second fastener aperture, and whereinthe outside end wall has an aperture therein; a fastener, which passesthrough the first and second fastener apertures and secures the topportion to the bottom portion; and wherein the projections of the topportion and the bottom portion are rounded.
 7. A stair rod bracketcomprising: a top portion having a front face, a back face, a first endwall and a second end wall which each extend downwardly from the frontface to the back face, a first end wall edge and a second end wall edge,a first fastener aperture, a plurality of rounded projections and aplurality of channels; a bottom portion having a front face, a backface, an outside end wall and an inside end wall, a second fasteneraperture, a first mounting aperture, a plurality of rounded projectionsand a plurality of channels; wherein the outside end wall of the bottomportion has an outside end wall edge and an inside surface; wherein theinside end wall of the bottom portion has an inside end wall edge and astair rod receiving portion; and wherein the outside end wall edge ofthe bottom portion is complementary in shape to the first end wall edgeof the top portion such that when the top portion is slid over thebottom portion the first end wall edge of the top portion and theoutside end wall edge of the bottom portion engage in a mating fashion.8. The bracket of claim 7 wherein the outside end wall has a finialfastener aperture therethrough.
 9. A stair rod bracket comprising: a topportion having a front face, a back face, a first end wall and a secondend wall which each extend downwardly from the front face to the backface, a first end wall edge and a second end wall edge, a first fasteneraperture, a first rounded projection adjacent to a first channel, asecond rounded projection adjacent to a second channel; a bottom portionhaving a front face, a back face, an outside end wall and an inside endwall, a second fastener aperture, a first mounting aperture, a firstrounded projection adjacent to a first channel, a second roundedprojection adjacent to a second channel; wherein the outside end wall ofthe bottom portion has an outside end wall edge and an inside surface;wherein the inside end wall of the bottom portion has an inside end walledge and a stair rod receiving portion; and wherein the front face andthe outside end wall edge of the bottom portion is complementary inshape to the back face of the top portion such that when the top portionis slid over the bottom portion the front face and the outside end walledge of the bottom portion engage in a mating fashion with the back faceof the top portion and define a rod receiving enclosure.
 10. The bracketof claim 9 wherein the outside end wall has a finial fastener aperturetherethrough.
 11. A stair rod set comprising: a stair rod; a pair ofstair rod brackets, each bracket having a top portion having a firstprojection and a first channel; a bottom portion having a firstprojection, a first channel, an outside end wall and a stair rodreceiving portion; wherein the first projection of the top portion isdesigned to be received in the first channel of the bottom portion andthe first projection of the bottom portion is designed to be received inthe first channel of the top portion; and wherein the receipt of thefirst projection of the top portion in the first channel of the bottomportion and the first projection of the bottom portion in the firstchannel of the top portion allows for transverse engagement of the topportion with the bottom portion.
 12. The stair rod set of claim 11wherein the set further comprises a pair of finials; and wherein theoutside end wall has an aperture therethrough.
 13. The stair rod set ofclaim 12 wherein each finial has a threaded aperture.
 14. The stair rodset of claim 12 wherein each finial has a male fastening portion adaptedto pass through the aperture in the outside end wall.
 15. The stair rodset of claim 14 wherein the stair rod contains an aperture on an end ofthe rod dimensioned to accept the male fastening portion of the finial.16. A stair rod set comprising: a plurality of top portions of abracket, each top portion having a first projection and a first channel;a plurality of bottom portions of a bracket, each bottom portion havinga first projection, a first channel, an outside end wall, and a stairrod receiving portion; wherein the first projection of the top portionis designed to be received in the first channel of the bottom portionand the first projection of the bottom portion is designed to bereceived in the first channel of the top portion.
 17. The stair rod setof claim 16 further comprising: at least one stair rod; at least twofinials; and wherein the outside end wall of the bottom portions have anaperture therethrough.
 18. The stair rod set of claim 16 wherein eachtop portion further comprises a second projection and a second channeland wherein each bottom portion further comprises a second projectionand a second channel; wherein the second projection of the top portionis designed to be received in the second channel of the bottom portionand the second projection of the bottom portion is designed to bereceived in the second channel of the top portion.
 19. The stair rod setof claim 18 wherein the first projection of each top portion is adjacentto the first channel of each top portion, and the second projection ofeach top portion is adjacent to the second channel of each top portion;and wherein the first projection of each bottom bracket is adjacent tothe first channel of each bottom portion and the second projection ofeach bottom portion is adjacent to the second channel of each bottomportion.
 20. The stair rod set of claim 16 wherein the plurality of topportions differ from one another in the absence or presence of indiciaapplied to the face of the top portions or in the presence of differingindicia to the face of the top portions.